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When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, tyre alignment is often overlooked. Yet, it plays a crucial role in how your car handles, how long your tyres last, and even how smooth your ride feels. One of the key aspects of wheel alignment is tyre camber. But what exactly is tyre camber, and why does it matter? Let’s break it down.
Tyre camber refers to the angle at which the wheels and tyres tilt when viewed from the front or back of the vehicle. If you’ve ever noticed that your tyres are slightly tilted inward or outward instead of standing perfectly upright, that's camber at play.
The camber angle affects the way your tyres touch the ground. The appropriate camber angle will have your tyre tread level on the road, giving the best traction and wear.
Camber is the product of the suspension geometry of the vehicle. When the suspension flexes or stretches, the camber angle will vary slightly. This dynamic effect assists in providing optimum contact between tyre and road, even during the condition of turning or bouncing over bumps.
The optimum camber angle is dependent upon the vehicle type and its purpose. For example, performance vehicles tend to have a very slight negative camber to enhance grip under hard cornering, but family saloons typically have close to zero camber for stability and uniform tyre wear..
It isn't always that simple to find camber issues by looking at them. Yet, there are some common symptoms that demonstrate that something is wrong:
Some issues can cause camber misalignment:
Inaccurate camber settings result in uneven tyre wear, particularly if the camber angle is excessively positive or negative. Unevenly worn tyres not only compromise safety but also increase replacement frequency, contributing to increased maintenance expenses.
An excessively negative camber tyre will wear its inside edge faster, and excessive positive camber will wear the outside edge. Camber angles maintained within the manufacturer's specifications can avoid these problems.
Although a professional alignment is best, you can perform some simple checks yourself:
Some minor camber adjustments can be done at home, but camber settings usually need professional tools and expertise. DIY processes may lack the accuracy required, particularly if suspension parts must be replaced or adjusted. It is advisable to go to a professional alignment service for precise results.
Expert technicians possess equipment for proper measurement of camber and adjusting accordingly. Alignment shops commonly employ computerized machines that calculate the correct camber angle using your car's specifications.
Attempts at repairing camber without suitable equipment will result in improper settings, potentially aggravating the problem rather than fixing it.
It's a good idea to check your wheels alignment periodically, particularly after any collision or when you experience uneven tyre wear. Most professional alignments involve camber checks as part of an overall alignment package.
If you’re not sure about your camber alignment, it’s best to consult experts. Apollo Tyres dealerships offer professional alignment services to ensure your vehicle stays safe and performs well. Regular maintenance checks can help detect minor alignment problems before they become major issues.
Also read: 16 Best Car Tyre Safety and Maintenance Tips
Tyre camber is more than just a technical jargon, it's a critical component of your car's handling and safety. Knowing it allows you to maintain your car in optimal condition and prevent untimely tyre wear. Frequent alignment checks and maintenance are a big help in avoiding camber problems.
If you suspect your camber is out, don't wait, have it inspected by a professional. A minor tweak today can prevent greater issues tomorrow.